Mums in Tech ft. Ramma Shahid Cheema

As part of the ‘Mums in Tech’ series, MotherBoard caught up with Ramma Shahid Cheema, Director Partnerships & Media at Internet Exchange.

The purpose of our ‘MotherBoard’ content series is to highlight incredible working mums within tech, as well as individuals and businesses that are supportive and progressive within their approach to creating more inclusive tech teams for women.

Firstly, can you please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your current role?

I am the Director, Partnerships and Media for Internet Exchange, a dynamic co-operative and newsletter focused on technology from a feminist lens. My role is to lead our external engagement cultivating strategic partnerships, managing high-profile media relations, and directing our growth strategy to ensure our impactful voice is heard in the fast-paced world of Tech Comms and PR. I love working with fellow feminists.

If you could sum up what it’s like being a working mum in tech in one sentence, what would it be?

It is a relentless, high-wire act of balancing constant guilt with the profound exhaustion that comes from navigating the illusive work life balance. But reminding myself how lucky I am to be a mother after years of treatment after my diagnosis of acute endometriosis.

How do you find the balance between your career and motherhood?

Balance is achieved through intentional, daily decisions and a commitment to a flexible structure. The greatest catalyst for success is the robust support system I have built, both professionally and personally.

What has been your greatest challenge as a working mother in tech?

Consistently adapting to the rapid, often exhausting speed of the media cycle—while simultaneously managing my underlying health issues and the day to day responsibilities of being a mom.

What skills have you developed as a mother that have helped your work life?

The most vital skill is knowing when to step back and preserve my energy. This approach has helped me tremendously and I no longer practice false resilience. The pressure does only harm.

When you were returning to work, what one thing helped you / would have helped you the most?

I would have loved more systemic and empathetic support during that time. Given that this was years ago, awareness and open conversation around issues like infertility and acute endometriosis—especially in South Asia were severely limited. My husband and close family were very understanding which helped a great deal. Modern employers must acknowledge that mothers who have navigated complex health or fertility journeys require more than standard policies. They need employers to recognize and accommodate the ongoing physical and hormonal realities that make returning to a high-pressure role challenging.

What do you feel should be the top priority for employers who want to support working mothers better?

True flexibility—this means moving beyond token policies to offer on-site childcare or seamless remote work options, coupled with an understanding that some mothers may require accommodations for chronic health conditions as a necessity, not a benefit.

Any final words of advice for other mothers in the Tech Industry?

Let go of the pursuit of ‘perfect balance.’ Instead, focus on radical self-compassion.